For everyone who thinks messy is okay sometimes

Sketching and stitching – I’ve been BUSY

Ah, dearest readers, it’s been a while since we last corresponded. I apologize for being underground recently.

I’ve been a busy bee, but many of my creations cannot be unveiled just yet. This is a bit silly in my opinion, as my life is an open book for the most part, but as the great architect I.M. Pei said, “There is an element of time in all creative endeavors.” I’m not sure I have that quote exactly right, but you get the idea.

Here is a list of coming attractions:

FranklinWillow

That is the name of my new sewing pattern business! I’ll have a website soon where you can order my patterns (by mail or download) and kits, plus offerings from a few of my favorite designers.

New purse patterns: a great look made with an innovative technique using 1 pattern template . . . you’re gonna love this one.

Easy, peasy pillow patterns
– I’ll start with 2 new pillow patterns, which are a quick, fun way to brush up on your sewing skills. The first pattern sample is sewn using a new line of fabric by Ella Blue called Terra Australis 2. The fabric was generously given to me by Julie Dueck of Intrepid Thread (Milpitas, CA). I will be teaching this pillow pattern this fall at Intrepid Thread. Making this pillow is a quick way to use those fabrics you love.

The second pillow is was created with a new line of fabric by Kim Andersson for Wyndam Fabrics. Check out my next post for a sneak peak.

2 Baby Quilt Patterns!

Don’t you love handmade baby gifts that are quick to make? I have two patterns designed to swaddle the new little darling in comfort and love.

This is a scarf I made as a thank you gift for Kim Schaefer. Kim is a creative powerhouse with many books, patterns and fabric collections among her vast array of accomplishments. Kim was incredibly generous in providing fabric for my first quilt design to be published in a magazine.

My quilt, Stripped to Pieces, was in the Spring 14 issue of Modern Quilts Unlimited Magazine and it features Kim’s fabulous fabric line, Kim’s Hand Dyes, for Andover Fabrics. I took the selveges from the gorgeous fabrics, folded under the raw edge and topstitched them to fleece in a diagonal plaid pattern at each end of the scarf. Kim lives in Wisconsin, lucky duck. I love California, but I miss the snow.